BY PHUMELELE GAMEDZE
KUKHANYENI – What began as a royal promise is now changing lives as 10 vulnerable families in Kukhanyeni Inkhundla prepare to leave unsafe shelters behind for decent homes under His Majesty King Mswati III’s housing initiative.
For years, many of the families have lived in leaking huts, collapsing stick-and-mud houses and overcrowded homes, uncertain of when their circumstances would improve. On Wednesday, however, hope knocked on their doors as Her Excellency Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla and Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Apollo Maphalala, visited their homes to assess the conditions ahead of the construction of new houses.
The outreach forms part of the Housing Project commissioned by His Majesty King Mswati III last year to provide dignified shelter for vulnerable emaSwati. The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister visited all 10 households identified under the programme, allowing Government to assess each family’s needs before construction begins.
As the delegation moved from one homestead to another, emotional scenes unfolded. Some beneficiaries could not hold back their tears after learning that they would soon have homes of their own. Others expressed gratitude that His Majesty had remembered them despite the hardships they had endured for many years.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Deputy Prime Minister Dladla thanked His Majesty for his unwavering love and compassion for emaSwati. She said providing decent homes is a clear demonstration of the King’s commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind. She further announced that all the assessed households will receive new homes and directed the National Disaster Risk Management Authority (NDRMA), working together with local leadership and the Kukhanyeni Inkhundla Council, to fast-track the project.
Among the beneficiaries is 71-year-old Mphenguli Dlamini of Maliyaduma, who will receive a two-bedroom house. Martha Sithembile Simelane, 53, whose stick-and-mud house is collapsing, will also receive a new home, while Khanyisile Mtsetfwa, 59, will finally move from an ageing family-owned house into one of her own.
The programme will also benefit Busisiwe Dlamini, 51, Velaphi Dlamini, 58, whose family of 18 currently shares a single room, Sicathawane Dlamini, 74, Simiso Mdluli, 35, Rose Matimane Mabila, 61, Dandane Ova Dlamini, 80, and Nokuthula Mamba, 50.
One of the most touching moments came when Rose Matimane Mabila broke down in tears after being informed that she would receive land and a new house. Throughout the outreach, beneficiaries repeatedly thanked His Majesty King Mswati III, the Royal Family and the Deputy Prime Minister, describing the housing programme as a blessing that had restored their hope and dignity.
Hon. Apollo Maphalala also expressed heartfelt appreciation to His Majesty for continuing to uplift vulnerable communities, saying the initiative reflects a leadership that cares deeply for its people. As the day’s outreach came to an end, the smiles, tears of joy and words of gratitude painted a clear picture that, for these 10 families, His Majesty’s promise is no longer just a promise it is the beginning of a new life.
#HisMajestyCares #HousingForHope #KukhanyeniInkhundla #EswatiniPositiveNews
(Courtesy Pic)
